Scripture: Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
In whose image are we created?
God’s!!
What do you think it means to be created in God’s image?
Back in ancient times a king was said to rule in the image of a certain god. The king was basically seen as the human form of that god. So if you wanted to know what a certain god was like, you looked at the god’s king.
So our being created in the image of God stamps us as a representation of God (we are not God, but a representation of God).
Application:
Being made in God’s image places a lot of responsibility on us, especially if we call ourselves Christian. If we call ourselves Christian then we are attaching God’s name to our name. So if we do something really good we are attaching God’s name to that really good thing, but if we also do something really bad we are attaching God’s name to that really bad thing.
What kinds of things have you done that God’s name has been attached to?
Are they good things or bad things? Do they bring glory to God’s name or do they disgrace God’s name?
Do you do more for yourself, or more for others?
What areas do you need to work on, and how will you work on them?
Prayer:
Spend some time reflecting on what it truly means to have God’s name attached to yours. Admit to God and turn from anything you have done that hasn’t brought glory to his name. In whatever you do, remember that you are not the only one whose name is on the line.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 1 (condensed)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Day 1) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Day 2) And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. (Day 3) And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds. (Day 4) And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth. (Day 5) And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. (Day 6) And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” The God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
Genesis 1 is where it all started. After reading these verses can’t you tell that God definitely had a specific purpose in mind when he was designing everything?
God knew what he was doing from the start…there was no guess work involved.
Since God is the creator of the earth and everything on it, it makes sense that the earth and everything on it belongs to him. Have you ever thought of yourself as a guest on God’s earth?
Application:
When you visit someone’s house you treat their things with a certain level of respect and care, don’t you? (If you don’t, you should!!)
God is letting us live on this good and perfect earth he created, so we need to treat it with respect! That means taking care of the land, the animals and the people!
How do you treat what belongs to God? What can you improve on?
Prayer:
Take time to truly thank God for what he has blessed you with!! Spend time enjoying what God created, and make a conscious effort to take care of God’s creations.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Day 1) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Day 2) And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. (Day 3) And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds. (Day 4) And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth. (Day 5) And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. (Day 6) And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” The God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
Genesis 1 is where it all started. After reading these verses can’t you tell that God definitely had a specific purpose in mind when he was designing everything?
God knew what he was doing from the start…there was no guess work involved.
Since God is the creator of the earth and everything on it, it makes sense that the earth and everything on it belongs to him. Have you ever thought of yourself as a guest on God’s earth?
Application:
When you visit someone’s house you treat their things with a certain level of respect and care, don’t you? (If you don’t, you should!!)
God is letting us live on this good and perfect earth he created, so we need to treat it with respect! That means taking care of the land, the animals and the people!
How do you treat what belongs to God? What can you improve on?
Prayer:
Take time to truly thank God for what he has blessed you with!! Spend time enjoying what God created, and make a conscious effort to take care of God’s creations.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Scripture: Mark 8:22-25
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Observation:
How did Jesus heal the blind man who was brought to him?
He spit on the man’s eyes and then put his hands on him.
How many times did Jesus have to touch the man’s eyes before he could see?
Twice. Jesus had to put his hands on the man’s eyes two times before the man could see. Not that there was anything wrong with the method Jesus was using to help this guy, but sometimes the results don’t happen right away or on the first try.
Application:
We need to learn that when we help someone often the results aren’t going to instantly be obvious…sometimes it takes awhile, maybe just a few hours, days or even years. Are you willing to help people even if you don’t get results right away?
Prayer:
Ask God for patience and commitment to help people even if it takes longer than you want it to. Spend some time with God and let him show you how he wants you to best use your gifts to help people for his glory.
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Observation:
How did Jesus heal the blind man who was brought to him?
He spit on the man’s eyes and then put his hands on him.
How many times did Jesus have to touch the man’s eyes before he could see?
Twice. Jesus had to put his hands on the man’s eyes two times before the man could see. Not that there was anything wrong with the method Jesus was using to help this guy, but sometimes the results don’t happen right away or on the first try.
Application:
We need to learn that when we help someone often the results aren’t going to instantly be obvious…sometimes it takes awhile, maybe just a few hours, days or even years. Are you willing to help people even if you don’t get results right away?
Prayer:
Ask God for patience and commitment to help people even if it takes longer than you want it to. Spend some time with God and let him show you how he wants you to best use your gifts to help people for his glory.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Observation:
What was wrong with the 10 men that Jesus came across?
They had leprosy (a disease that causes really gross sores all over the skin).
How did Jesus heal the men and what were their responses?
Jesus simply healed the men of their disease by telling them to go see the priests.
Only 1 man out of the 10 came back to thank Jesus! Think about it, if you had a really bad disease that made everyone around you shudder with disgust, and suddenly some guy came up and healed you…wouldn’t you want to thank him? Personally, I don’t think I would ever want to stop thanking him!!
There’s a pretty good chance that Jesus knew beforehand that the other 9 men were not going to come back and thank him, but that didn’t stop him. He healed them anyway!
Application:
Helping someone in need isn’t about getting something in return. Do you help people even when it doesn’t benefit you?
We need to remember that helping people is not about what they can do for us, but it is about what we can do for them!
Prayer:
Take advantage of any opportunities you have to help someone, even if you don’t get anything in return, because helping those in need is a form of worship to God. Ask God to give you opportunities to share his love with those who need it, and spend time thanking God for all he has given you.
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Observation:
What was wrong with the 10 men that Jesus came across?
They had leprosy (a disease that causes really gross sores all over the skin).
How did Jesus heal the men and what were their responses?
Jesus simply healed the men of their disease by telling them to go see the priests.
Only 1 man out of the 10 came back to thank Jesus! Think about it, if you had a really bad disease that made everyone around you shudder with disgust, and suddenly some guy came up and healed you…wouldn’t you want to thank him? Personally, I don’t think I would ever want to stop thanking him!!
There’s a pretty good chance that Jesus knew beforehand that the other 9 men were not going to come back and thank him, but that didn’t stop him. He healed them anyway!
Application:
Helping someone in need isn’t about getting something in return. Do you help people even when it doesn’t benefit you?
We need to remember that helping people is not about what they can do for us, but it is about what we can do for them!
Prayer:
Take advantage of any opportunities you have to help someone, even if you don’t get anything in return, because helping those in need is a form of worship to God. Ask God to give you opportunities to share his love with those who need it, and spend time thanking God for all he has given you.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Scripture: John 5: 1-9
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number if disabled peopled used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Observation:
What need did Jesus see in the man at the Gate?
The man had been an invalid (disabled) for 38 years!
The man had a tough life! Not only was he disabled, but no one else would help him even get into the pool! Other people went as far as to cut him off when he did try to get into the pool!
Did other people’s actions towards the man prevent Jesus from wanting to help him?
Of course not! Jesus wasn’t afraid to help someone that no one else wanted to have anything to do with.
Application:
Jesus chose to help people who were overlooked and considered the lowest of the low—we need to do the same.
Do you know someone who needs help but you’re afraid to help them because of what other people might think?
Listen to God—especially if he’s telling you to help someone who you don’t really want to help.
Prayer:
We cannot have the attitude that we are “too good” to help someone. If you struggle with thinking that some people just aren’t good enough for you to help, get before God and let him make you humble like Jesus.
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number if disabled peopled used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Observation:
What need did Jesus see in the man at the Gate?
The man had been an invalid (disabled) for 38 years!
The man had a tough life! Not only was he disabled, but no one else would help him even get into the pool! Other people went as far as to cut him off when he did try to get into the pool!
Did other people’s actions towards the man prevent Jesus from wanting to help him?
Of course not! Jesus wasn’t afraid to help someone that no one else wanted to have anything to do with.
Application:
Jesus chose to help people who were overlooked and considered the lowest of the low—we need to do the same.
Do you know someone who needs help but you’re afraid to help them because of what other people might think?
Listen to God—especially if he’s telling you to help someone who you don’t really want to help.
Prayer:
We cannot have the attitude that we are “too good” to help someone. If you struggle with thinking that some people just aren’t good enough for you to help, get before God and let him make you humble like Jesus.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Scripture: Mark 6: 34-44
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time, it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of men who had eaten was five thousand.
Observation:
What need did Jesus see in the crowd of 5,000 men?
They were hungry! They had been sitting and listening to Jesus for a long time with no food.
How did the disciples react to the hungry, but dedicated, crowd?
The disciples thought that Jesus should just send the crowd away to get their own food.
And when Jesus suggested to the disciples that they feed them, their reaction was basically, “Uh, yeah right! With what?” The disciples didn’t have any food with them, and they knew that it would take an incredible amount of money to buy food for 5,000 men (not to mention the women and children!)!
What did Jesus do to fill the need?
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish that were found in the crowd and fed everyone to the point where they were satisfied.
And, not only did Jesus give everyone enough to eat…there were leftovers! Jesus went above and beyond the minimum to meet the need of the crowd.
Application:
What needs do you see in the people around you?
What can you do to meet the needs?
Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond the minimum to fill a need.
Prayer:Ask God to give you wisdom in finding and filling others’ needs. Don’t be scared of stepping outside of your comfort zone to help someone—God will be right there with you. Take time to thank God for all of your needs in your life that he has filled
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time, it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of men who had eaten was five thousand.
Observation:
What need did Jesus see in the crowd of 5,000 men?
They were hungry! They had been sitting and listening to Jesus for a long time with no food.
How did the disciples react to the hungry, but dedicated, crowd?
The disciples thought that Jesus should just send the crowd away to get their own food.
And when Jesus suggested to the disciples that they feed them, their reaction was basically, “Uh, yeah right! With what?” The disciples didn’t have any food with them, and they knew that it would take an incredible amount of money to buy food for 5,000 men (not to mention the women and children!)!
What did Jesus do to fill the need?
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish that were found in the crowd and fed everyone to the point where they were satisfied.
And, not only did Jesus give everyone enough to eat…there were leftovers! Jesus went above and beyond the minimum to meet the need of the crowd.
Application:
What needs do you see in the people around you?
What can you do to meet the needs?
Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond the minimum to fill a need.
Prayer:Ask God to give you wisdom in finding and filling others’ needs. Don’t be scared of stepping outside of your comfort zone to help someone—God will be right there with you. Take time to thank God for all of your needs in your life that he has filled
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Scripture: Luke 22:49-51
When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them [Peter] struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
Observation:
These verses are taking place when Jesus was getting arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. The disciples who were with him obviously didn’t want Jesus to get arrested. In his anger, how did Peter react to the situation?
He cut of the servant’s ear! Ouch!!
How did Jesus react to Peter’s reaction?
He healed the servant’s ear and then basically told the disciples to chill. Jesus knew that lashing out in anger against the guards and the servant was not the way to go.
Application:
Even though a situation may be really tough and make us really mad, we shouldn’t lash out and sin in our anger. Can you think of times where you’ve just “exploded”?
Did exploding make the situation better or worse?
Prayer:
When you get angry stop and listen to God—he knows how to act better than we do. Make sure you spend time reading your Bible—God gives us lots of instructions on how to act in all situations.
When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them [Peter] struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
Observation:
These verses are taking place when Jesus was getting arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. The disciples who were with him obviously didn’t want Jesus to get arrested. In his anger, how did Peter react to the situation?
He cut of the servant’s ear! Ouch!!
How did Jesus react to Peter’s reaction?
He healed the servant’s ear and then basically told the disciples to chill. Jesus knew that lashing out in anger against the guards and the servant was not the way to go.
Application:
Even though a situation may be really tough and make us really mad, we shouldn’t lash out and sin in our anger. Can you think of times where you’ve just “exploded”?
Did exploding make the situation better or worse?
Prayer:
When you get angry stop and listen to God—he knows how to act better than we do. Make sure you spend time reading your Bible—God gives us lots of instructions on how to act in all situations.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Scripture: Exodus 2: 11-12
Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.
Observation:
Moses got angry at an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew, how did he handle his anger?
He killed the Egyptian and then tried to hide the body.
Even though Moses handled his anger in a really bad way, his anger was motivated by his love for his fellow Hebrews—he couldn’t stand their persecution.
Moses’ anger revealed his passion—setting the Israelites free—which God later made is his mission.
Application:
Can you think of anything that makes you angry for a good reason?
God could have placed that anger there so you would be motivated to action—just make sure it’s the right action!
What can you do to take action against what makes you angry?
Prayer:
Take some time to think about and pray about what makes you angry. Let God use those feelings for good—to make a positive difference. Be open to God using your life in ways that you haven’t expected…and thank him for any opportunities he gives you to do good for him.
Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.
Observation:
Moses got angry at an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew, how did he handle his anger?
He killed the Egyptian and then tried to hide the body.
Even though Moses handled his anger in a really bad way, his anger was motivated by his love for his fellow Hebrews—he couldn’t stand their persecution.
Moses’ anger revealed his passion—setting the Israelites free—which God later made is his mission.
Application:
Can you think of anything that makes you angry for a good reason?
God could have placed that anger there so you would be motivated to action—just make sure it’s the right action!
What can you do to take action against what makes you angry?
Prayer:
Take some time to think about and pray about what makes you angry. Let God use those feelings for good—to make a positive difference. Be open to God using your life in ways that you haven’t expected…and thank him for any opportunities he gives you to do good for him.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 18: 20-25
So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely, you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
Observation:
Why was God angry at Sodom and Gomorrah?
They were sinning big time!
What was God going to do to Sodom and Gomorrah, and who stood in the way?
God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but as the story goes on, Abraham bargained with God to let the righteous people live.
Was God’s anger justified?
Yes, people were sinning like crazy, which made God mad, but God dealt with his anger the right way…justly.
Application:
Anger can have roots that are righteous (like getting mad about sin), but how we deal with the anger is a big deal.
How do you deal with your anger? Does your anger cause you to yell, scream or throw fits? Or does your anger lead to a righteous solution of the problem?
Prayer:
Be aware of how you deal with your anger…don’t let it control you. Ask God for wisdom in your actions when you get angry. Thank God that he has the grace and mercy to deal with us when we mess up and fly off the handle.
So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely, you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
Observation:
Why was God angry at Sodom and Gomorrah?
They were sinning big time!
What was God going to do to Sodom and Gomorrah, and who stood in the way?
God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but as the story goes on, Abraham bargained with God to let the righteous people live.
Was God’s anger justified?
Yes, people were sinning like crazy, which made God mad, but God dealt with his anger the right way…justly.
Application:
Anger can have roots that are righteous (like getting mad about sin), but how we deal with the anger is a big deal.
How do you deal with your anger? Does your anger cause you to yell, scream or throw fits? Or does your anger lead to a righteous solution of the problem?
Prayer:
Be aware of how you deal with your anger…don’t let it control you. Ask God for wisdom in your actions when you get angry. Thank God that he has the grace and mercy to deal with us when we mess up and fly off the handle.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 4: 2-8
Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering of the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Now Cain said to his brother, Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Observation:
Why was Cain angry and downcast (depressed)?
Cain was angry because God accepted Abel’s offering but not his. Cain was jealous of Abel’s offering to God.
Did Cain listen to God’s instructions? What did he end up doing?
Cain definitely did not listen to God’s instructions about doing right and resolving the situation.
If Cain had just done what was right in the first place he would have had no reason to get angry. Cain listened to his anger instead of God’s instructions and ended up killing his brother Abel.
Application:
Have you had times where your anger and God are telling you to do different things?
What does your anger tell you to do?
How does God desire you to deal with your anger?
Which one did you listen to and how did it turn out?
When we get angry we need to make sure to listen to God instead of listening to our anger.
Prayer:Recognize any weaknesses you have when it comes to anger. Let God work in you to begin to master your anger issues. Listen and follow God’s instructions when you get upset…he always knows best!
Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering of the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Now Cain said to his brother, Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Observation:
Why was Cain angry and downcast (depressed)?
Cain was angry because God accepted Abel’s offering but not his. Cain was jealous of Abel’s offering to God.
Did Cain listen to God’s instructions? What did he end up doing?
Cain definitely did not listen to God’s instructions about doing right and resolving the situation.
If Cain had just done what was right in the first place he would have had no reason to get angry. Cain listened to his anger instead of God’s instructions and ended up killing his brother Abel.
Application:
Have you had times where your anger and God are telling you to do different things?
What does your anger tell you to do?
How does God desire you to deal with your anger?
Which one did you listen to and how did it turn out?
When we get angry we need to make sure to listen to God instead of listening to our anger.
Prayer:Recognize any weaknesses you have when it comes to anger. Let God work in you to begin to master your anger issues. Listen and follow God’s instructions when you get upset…he always knows best!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Scripture: Romans 6:4-8
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Observation:
What does verse 6 say happens to our old self and our sin?
They are done away with—crucified with Christ.
After our old self dies with Christ what happens (v. 4 & 5)?
We are brought back to life, to a new life. The new life is the one God desires us to live—it’s the life in which we have a close relationship with him.
Application:
Have you been living your new life to the fullest?
God sent Jesus not only to die for our sins, but also to open the door for us to have the best life possible—to walk with God!
Make sure you’re taking full advantage of the life you can have in God by spending time with him and his Word.
Prayer:
Thank God for sending his son to take away your sins and to give you a new life. Make a commitment to God to begin (or continue) living your life how he has intended (if you make a commitment to God then you need to keep it!).
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Observation:
What does verse 6 say happens to our old self and our sin?
They are done away with—crucified with Christ.
After our old self dies with Christ what happens (v. 4 & 5)?
We are brought back to life, to a new life. The new life is the one God desires us to live—it’s the life in which we have a close relationship with him.
Application:
Have you been living your new life to the fullest?
God sent Jesus not only to die for our sins, but also to open the door for us to have the best life possible—to walk with God!
Make sure you’re taking full advantage of the life you can have in God by spending time with him and his Word.
Prayer:
Thank God for sending his son to take away your sins and to give you a new life. Make a commitment to God to begin (or continue) living your life how he has intended (if you make a commitment to God then you need to keep it!).
Monday, November 3, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Scripture: Romans 8:3-4
3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the spirit.
Observation:
What does it mean that God sent his son (Jesus) to be a sin offering?
In the Old Testament the Israelites would offer lambs to God as a sacrifice for their sins. The lambs worked for a time, but God eventually sent Jesus as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins.
What do you think is the purpose of having a sin offering?
Sin is a crime against God and hinders our ability to have a close relationship with him. By accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins we are essentially letting him pay the price for our crimes (which is a big deal!).
When Jesus was put to death on the cross, our sins were put to death with him (even though we do still sin). Basically what this means is that our sins have been paid for in advance (which does not mean we should go a sin-shopping spree!).
Application:
Have you accepted God’s son, Jesus, as your sacrifice for sin?
Have you allowed your sins to die, or do you sometimes try to bring them back to life?
Prayer:
Lay your sins and struggles at God’s feet and leave them there (I know it’s tough!), and don’t go back and try to pick them up again. Take time to worship and thank God for sending Jesus to be a sacrifice for our sins because it’s not something we could have done on our own.
3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the spirit.
Observation:
What does it mean that God sent his son (Jesus) to be a sin offering?
In the Old Testament the Israelites would offer lambs to God as a sacrifice for their sins. The lambs worked for a time, but God eventually sent Jesus as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins.
What do you think is the purpose of having a sin offering?
Sin is a crime against God and hinders our ability to have a close relationship with him. By accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins we are essentially letting him pay the price for our crimes (which is a big deal!).
When Jesus was put to death on the cross, our sins were put to death with him (even though we do still sin). Basically what this means is that our sins have been paid for in advance (which does not mean we should go a sin-shopping spree!).
Application:
Have you accepted God’s son, Jesus, as your sacrifice for sin?
Have you allowed your sins to die, or do you sometimes try to bring them back to life?
Prayer:
Lay your sins and struggles at God’s feet and leave them there (I know it’s tough!), and don’t go back and try to pick them up again. Take time to worship and thank God for sending Jesus to be a sacrifice for our sins because it’s not something we could have done on our own.
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